There is a three-story downtown Asbury Park building that was once filled with music from Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny Lyon. That building, from 1968 to 1971 was known as the Upstage Club. Richard Yorkowitz, a Garwood antiques dealer bough 700 Cookman Avenue for $1 million dollars and he hopes to be able to bring back the music to the third floor of the building.
Yorkowitz’s proposal to Asbury Park’s planning board shows a first floor restaurant with alcohol. On the second floor there will be light fare and small bands. And, on the third floor, it will be available for live bands. “Yorkowitz said he would soundproof the walls, but his plan also prompted concern from some neighboring residents above stores in the downtown. Years ago, the downtown had offices and stores but few people living there, so complaints were few when music was played at night.”
700 Cookman Avenue’s owner failed last month to get zoners’ approval to create a new Upstage. The denial was based on the fact that the prior use had been abandoned. On April 12th, Yorkowitz will go before the city’s Planning Board with the hope that they will amend the Central Business District Redevelopment Plan to allow a night club on upper floors of Cookman Avenue buildings.
No matter what Asbury Park’s city Planning Board’s decision is, this is another rehabilitation project for Asbury Park that will benefit the town and continue to push it in the right direction.
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